In this ever changing mobile world the realms of possibility shift on an almost monthly basis. The increasing sophistication of handsets and their ability to connect to more devices than ever before has given rise to perhaps the most complex yet beneficial development of them all – the mobile ecosystem.
Despite sounding ridiculously complex, the concept of mobile ecosystems is actually very easy to grasp: an ecosystem is a collection of devices connected by one operating system that can work seamlessly together and share data.
The starting point for an ecosystem is usually a mobile phone running a particular operating system. So, let’s say you’ve got an Android handset – from here you could add an Android tablet and laptop with Google integration and, once you’ve logged into each device and shared content between them, boom! That’s your ecosystem.
Cloud storage – the ability to store data onto a remote server meaning you can access it from anywhere on any device – also plays a large part in an ecosystem, and is the means with which users can connect to different devices and access their data.
Ecosystems can be as big or small as you like, so you can have anything from two to twenty devices in your own web of mobile connectivity.
But what is a mobile ecosystem? And, more importantly, how does having one benefit you? Read on for the answers to these questions, and if there’s one we haven’t covered simply pop it in comments at the bottom of the page and we will answer and add it to our guide.
So, what the blazes is a mobile ecosystem?
Despite sounding ridiculously complex, the concept of mobile ecosystems is actually very easy to grasp: an ecosystem is a collection of devices connected by one operating system that can work seamlessly together and share data.
The starting point for an ecosystem is usually a mobile phone running a particular operating system. So, let’s say you’ve got an Android handset – from here you could add an Android tablet and laptop with Google integration and, once you’ve logged into each device and shared content between them, boom! That’s your ecosystem.
Cloud storage – the ability to store data onto a remote server meaning you can access it from anywhere on any device – also plays a large part in an ecosystem, and is the means with which users can connect to different devices and access their data.
Ecosystems can be as big or small as you like, so you can have anything from two to twenty devices in your own web of mobile connectivity.
Ok, but what’s the point of having one?
The main benefit of having an ecosystem is that you’re able to share your information across different devices without having to use wires or cables.
For example, if you sign into your email account you would then be able to access your messages on any of your devices, with each new message loading on each device individually. The same will also be true of social networking sites and accounts for banking, gaming or watching ‘on-demand’ video.
From here you could also access any data you have saved to your cloud storage service, such as Dropbox or SkyDrive, meaning you can share information such as photos, videos and music between your devices without having to sync or use wires.
Essentially, an ecosystem is designed to make the user’s life easier and provide a seamless way of storing and sharing data across a number of different devices.
Perhaps the only criticism of the Apple ecosystem is its price, with the hardware costing a lot more than the stuff on offer from most other manufacturers.
Despite having very little hardware of its own Google also has a strong foothold in the ecosystem game thanks to its Android operating system being widely used by a whole host of manufacturers. Having also released a tablet and recently branching out into the laptop market, the reach of its ecosystem will likely increase in future.
Microsoft’s recent release of Windows 8 has also boosted its ecosystem credentials, with its mobile platform (across many different handsets) and laptops now supported by a tablet for the first time.
The main benefit of having an ecosystem is that you’re able to share your information across different devices without having to use wires or cables.
For example, if you sign into your email account you would then be able to access your messages on any of your devices, with each new message loading on each device individually. The same will also be true of social networking sites and accounts for banking, gaming or watching ‘on-demand’ video.
From here you could also access any data you have saved to your cloud storage service, such as Dropbox or SkyDrive, meaning you can share information such as photos, videos and music between your devices without having to sync or use wires.
Essentially, an ecosystem is designed to make the user’s life easier and provide a seamless way of storing and sharing data across a number of different devices.
What ecosystems are currently available?
Currently Apple, Google, Microsoft and BlackBerry all have devices capable of forming an ecosystem and have also started to broaden their outputs on peripheral hardware (that’s extra bits of kit to the uninitiated) to expand this even further.
With its iPhone handsets and iOS operating system extending across its tablets, Apple was arguably the first manufacturer to offer the complete package, something that can be further extended with its range of laptops and computers.
Currently Apple, Google, Microsoft and BlackBerry all have devices capable of forming an ecosystem and have also started to broaden their outputs on peripheral hardware (that’s extra bits of kit to the uninitiated) to expand this even further.
With its iPhone handsets and iOS operating system extending across its tablets, Apple was arguably the first manufacturer to offer the complete package, something that can be further extended with its range of laptops and computers.
Perhaps the only criticism of the Apple ecosystem is its price, with the hardware costing a lot more than the stuff on offer from most other manufacturers.
Despite having very little hardware of its own Google also has a strong foothold in the ecosystem game thanks to its Android operating system being widely used by a whole host of manufacturers. Having also released a tablet and recently branching out into the laptop market, the reach of its ecosystem will likely increase in future.
Microsoft’s recent release of Windows 8 has also boosted its ecosystem credentials, with its mobile platform (across many different handsets) and laptops now supported by a tablet for the first time.
So what do I need to make an ecosystem?
In theory you would simply need two devices that can connect to cloud storage, although to create a more fluid ecosystem these would need to be made by the same manufacturer or run the same operating system.
The starting point for many ecosystems is a mobile phone or a laptop, and from here users often add other devices to widen the reach of their data sharing and improve their usage across multiple platforms. For example, if you had an iPhone 4S you could purchase an iPad and share your content between the two via iCloud, thus creating your very own ecosystem.
But mobiles don’t always have to be the starting point. The new Microsoft ecosystem centres around Windows 8 and, as such, can be created without the need for a handset. Thanks to the new Windows 8 OS users can utilise most of the new features on the updated Xbox 360 dashboard, meaning they could share content between a Windows 8 laptop and a console at any time.
Although ecosystems are often seen as complex connections featuring a vast amount of hardware, anyone can start their own with little more than a phone or laptop providing they could connect between the two.
In theory you would simply need two devices that can connect to cloud storage, although to create a more fluid ecosystem these would need to be made by the same manufacturer or run the same operating system.
The starting point for many ecosystems is a mobile phone or a laptop, and from here users often add other devices to widen the reach of their data sharing and improve their usage across multiple platforms. For example, if you had an iPhone 4S you could purchase an iPad and share your content between the two via iCloud, thus creating your very own ecosystem.
But mobiles don’t always have to be the starting point. The new Microsoft ecosystem centres around Windows 8 and, as such, can be created without the need for a handset. Thanks to the new Windows 8 OS users can utilise most of the new features on the updated Xbox 360 dashboard, meaning they could share content between a Windows 8 laptop and a console at any time.
Although ecosystems are often seen as complex connections featuring a vast amount of hardware, anyone can start their own with little more than a phone or laptop providing they could connect between the two.
How do I know which ecosystem I need?
Your ecosystem will be dictated by the software your device runs, so it’s important to use this as a starting point before you attempt to create your own.
Apple and BlackBerry users will be limited to their specific manufacturer’s products as they’re the only two companies that use their own hardware. Microsoft and Google on the other hand allow their software to be used on loads of different devices made by loads of different manufacturers.
If you are using your mobile as the starting point for your ecosystem, the first step will be to find out what operating system your device is running. This will form the basis of your connections and will allow you to begin looking at additional compatible hardware. For example, if your handset runs Android you will be able to look at just about any Android tablet and almost any laptop or PC, as you will be able to share content between all of those devices. However if you have an iPhone, you will be tied to looking at Apple products only.
If you’re not sure about which device you will need to start your own ecosystem, just leave a comment at the bottom of the page and we’ll be happy to advise you.
Your ecosystem will be dictated by the software your device runs, so it’s important to use this as a starting point before you attempt to create your own.
Apple and BlackBerry users will be limited to their specific manufacturer’s products as they’re the only two companies that use their own hardware. Microsoft and Google on the other hand allow their software to be used on loads of different devices made by loads of different manufacturers.
If you are using your mobile as the starting point for your ecosystem, the first step will be to find out what operating system your device is running. This will form the basis of your connections and will allow you to begin looking at additional compatible hardware. For example, if your handset runs Android you will be able to look at just about any Android tablet and almost any laptop or PC, as you will be able to share content between all of those devices. However if you have an iPhone, you will be tied to looking at Apple products only.
If you’re not sure about which device you will need to start your own ecosystem, just leave a comment at the bottom of the page and we’ll be happy to advise you.
Which is the best?
As with most things, when it comes to mobile technology it is completely down to personal preference. Different ecosystems work in different ways and what you chose is often dependant on what you want to do with yours.
One of the most popular and easy to set up is the Apple ecosystem, as its hardware works seamlessly thanks to easy connections and iCloud. Stemming from exclusive connectivity between the iPhone and MacBooks/iMacs, the Apple family now includes a variety of iPads and Apple TV, a set top peripheral that allows sharing to a television set.
Whilst many consider Apple to be the pioneers of the ecosystem, there are some criticisms, most notably surrounding its price and flexibility. With a MacBook now starting at £1200 putting together an Apple ecosystem is far from cheap and the completed package is likely to set you back a couple of thousand pounds. Whilst many believe this outlay is worth it, it often alienates the average customer on sheer price alone. The fact that Apple products are so limited – you can only use Apple software to share content between devices – means that some find it far too restrictive as an ecosystem.
At completely the opposite end of the spectrum is Google, the masters of the open source ecosystem. With its Android operating system running on an extensive range of handsets, the search giant has given consumers the gift of choice when it comes to hardware, something that can now be extended to tablets and computers. Although there is only a handful of Google-branded hardware, its software is compatible with almost every device on the market, Apple and BlackBerry products aside. As such, it has opened up near boundless possibilities for the consumer when it comes to using a Google product in an ecosystem.
For console integration the new additions to its Windows Phone ecosystem make Microsoft a worthy choice. With its new Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8 platforms, the Redmond-based company has ramped up integration between its Xbox 360 console, with users now able to control elements of their gaming from their laptops, tablets and mobiles. The presence of SkyDrive has also been increased and content can now be automatically shared between devices via cloud storage.
Finally, for business users the BlackBerry ecosystem is a basic yet efficient way of keeping all your important information together. Despite comprising of only mobile handsets and a tablet it proves and efficient way of sharing emails and documents.
As with most things, when it comes to mobile technology it is completely down to personal preference. Different ecosystems work in different ways and what you chose is often dependant on what you want to do with yours.
One of the most popular and easy to set up is the Apple ecosystem, as its hardware works seamlessly thanks to easy connections and iCloud. Stemming from exclusive connectivity between the iPhone and MacBooks/iMacs, the Apple family now includes a variety of iPads and Apple TV, a set top peripheral that allows sharing to a television set.
Whilst many consider Apple to be the pioneers of the ecosystem, there are some criticisms, most notably surrounding its price and flexibility. With a MacBook now starting at £1200 putting together an Apple ecosystem is far from cheap and the completed package is likely to set you back a couple of thousand pounds. Whilst many believe this outlay is worth it, it often alienates the average customer on sheer price alone. The fact that Apple products are so limited – you can only use Apple software to share content between devices – means that some find it far too restrictive as an ecosystem.
At completely the opposite end of the spectrum is Google, the masters of the open source ecosystem. With its Android operating system running on an extensive range of handsets, the search giant has given consumers the gift of choice when it comes to hardware, something that can now be extended to tablets and computers. Although there is only a handful of Google-branded hardware, its software is compatible with almost every device on the market, Apple and BlackBerry products aside. As such, it has opened up near boundless possibilities for the consumer when it comes to using a Google product in an ecosystem.
For console integration the new additions to its Windows Phone ecosystem make Microsoft a worthy choice. With its new Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8 platforms, the Redmond-based company has ramped up integration between its Xbox 360 console, with users now able to control elements of their gaming from their laptops, tablets and mobiles. The presence of SkyDrive has also been increased and content can now be automatically shared between devices via cloud storage.
Finally, for business users the BlackBerry ecosystem is a basic yet efficient way of keeping all your important information together. Despite comprising of only mobile handsets and a tablet it proves and efficient way of sharing emails and documents.
Will my data still be secure?
Users are naturally wary of cloud storage due to the fact that you can’t actually see where your data is stored, but in actual fact this system is totally secure.
With every cloud account, be it iCloud, SkyDrive, Dropbox or various others, password protection adds an extra layer of security to your data so it can only be accessed by you. In this respect cloud storage is as safe as any other online account you may have such as email or internet banking.
Secondly, information stored on cloud services is often encrypted, thus reducing the chance that someone could hack your account and use your information freely.
Whilst there is always an element of risk when creating an account and storing data on any platform, using cloud storage is no more risky than anything else.
Users are naturally wary of cloud storage due to the fact that you can’t actually see where your data is stored, but in actual fact this system is totally secure.
With every cloud account, be it iCloud, SkyDrive, Dropbox or various others, password protection adds an extra layer of security to your data so it can only be accessed by you. In this respect cloud storage is as safe as any other online account you may have such as email or internet banking.
Secondly, information stored on cloud services is often encrypted, thus reducing the chance that someone could hack your account and use your information freely.
Whilst there is always an element of risk when creating an account and storing data on any platform, using cloud storage is no more risky than anything else.
Isn’t it all just a big gimmick?
Whilst users can certainly exist without an ecosystem, they do have many benefits. Critics often claim them to be nothing more than another way for software and hardware manufacturers to extract more cash out of the consumer, and whilst the often expensive price tags attached to the devices needed to form an ecosystem do little to dispel this theory, the clear and undeniable benefits cannot be ignored.
The ability to share information instantaneously between devices is something that has helped to revolutionised the mobile world and cannot be understated, especially when the alternative is fiddling around with wires and cables just to have a look at your latest photos.
With Google offering such an expansive ecosystem for a relatively low pric, getting on the bandwagon doesn’t have to cost the earth either, so users are able to reap the benefits for little outlay should they so wish.
Whilst users can certainly exist without an ecosystem, they do have many benefits. Critics often claim them to be nothing more than another way for software and hardware manufacturers to extract more cash out of the consumer, and whilst the often expensive price tags attached to the devices needed to form an ecosystem do little to dispel this theory, the clear and undeniable benefits cannot be ignored.
The ability to share information instantaneously between devices is something that has helped to revolutionised the mobile world and cannot be understated, especially when the alternative is fiddling around with wires and cables just to have a look at your latest photos.
With Google offering such an expansive ecosystem for a relatively low pric, getting on the bandwagon doesn’t have to cost the earth either, so users are able to reap the benefits for little outlay should they so wish.
What are ecosystems going to be like in future?
There is one distinctive trend with emerging ecosystems, and that is gradual inclusion of television.
With smart TVs now almost commonplace, the likes of Apple have started to develop their own for direct integration with existing hardware. Whilst Apple TV offers this in smaller form, its proposed iTV will offer complete integration and control through purpose built hardware, in theory improving the seamless ecosystem experience. Although the Cupertino company is currently ahead in this field, others are sure to follow.
Additional peripherals will also start to emerge, with gadgets such as Google’s Project Glass and the rise of the “phablet” blurring the lines of and further expanding ecosystems as a whole. With technology developing at a rapid rate, it’s hard to say exactly where this will stop.
But what is certain is that integration is bound to be increased, with manufacturer’s constantly searching for ways to provide a more comprehensive sharing experience with the devices they produce. Cloud storage will no doubt be expanded even further and the user will have more ways to share more content between even more devices.
There is one distinctive trend with emerging ecosystems, and that is gradual inclusion of television.
With smart TVs now almost commonplace, the likes of Apple have started to develop their own for direct integration with existing hardware. Whilst Apple TV offers this in smaller form, its proposed iTV will offer complete integration and control through purpose built hardware, in theory improving the seamless ecosystem experience. Although the Cupertino company is currently ahead in this field, others are sure to follow.
Additional peripherals will also start to emerge, with gadgets such as Google’s Project Glass and the rise of the “phablet” blurring the lines of and further expanding ecosystems as a whole. With technology developing at a rapid rate, it’s hard to say exactly where this will stop.
But what is certain is that integration is bound to be increased, with manufacturer’s constantly searching for ways to provide a more comprehensive sharing experience with the devices they produce. Cloud storage will no doubt be expanded even further and the user will have more ways to share more content between even more devices.
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